Spa is everywhere and can be everything. Relax.

Dear Shoshana

Flowers for all the Love out there! One week blogging! Thanks for the support!

Dear Shoshana,

“I have recently been diagnosed with a rare disease, Barrett’s syndrome, a problem occurs at the point where my esophagus reaches my stomach. This tissue closed and I was left with no other option than to surgically open this area. I now have to eat a gluten-free, non-dairy, diet. Most of the time my stomach is uncomfortable. Is there anything that you could suggest to me? “- Acidity in Hong Kong

Dear Acidity in Hong Kong,

Thank you for writing to Dear Shoshana. As I am not a medical doctor, I cannot help you with any western medicine. However, after many years of nutritional & Herbal Medicine studies, I can suggest simple solutions that may help you. Firstly, eat only warm foods, and drink only warm drinks, nothing cold! Do avoid anything spicy or any foods with acidity, like tomatoes, pineapple, citrus. Control your portions, each more times a day (five instead of three, for example) with less portion size during each meal. Below is a recipe that I would suggest to eat at least 4 times a week…until you feel that your stomach is more balanced. A herb that may help to ease your stomach is Licorice Root.

Please take these comments and do your own research and consult with a physician as these are just friendly suggestions. Do not drink this if you are taking any blood thinning meds. Licorice is a very overlooked herb, it has so many healing properties and uses. I would suggest to drink this herbal brew three times a week. You can even pour it over your head if you have any dandruff. Licorice is one of the best herbal antidepressants (which I can assume, after surgery you may need…) and it has a reputation for healing ulcers. We believe it can lower stomach acid levels, relieve heartburn and indigestion and acts as a mild laxative. Find a good source for your herbs…I have many if you are interested. Use two sticks of the root in a pot of boiled water. Leave it to brew for a few minutes before drinking.

I also believe Essential oils help in all situations when our mind tells us that body is not in balance. Back to my earlier post…the first step is seeing our truth, we are already in balance (it is our mind that forces us to believe that we are not). So the Essential Oil that I feel most attracted to for your situation would be Pine. It is earthy, grounding, and it brings our subconscious to a place of ease. It is also believed to balance the adrenal hormones, this would be perfect for you after going through hospitalization.

Kitchari means mixture, usually of two grains. This is one kitchari recipe that is particularly nourishing and easy to digest.Options

Vegetables such as zucchini,
asparagus, sweet potato

For Pitta: leave out the mustard seeds

Preparation Carefully pick over rice and dal to remove any stones. Wash each separately in at least 2 changes of water.Sauté the seeds in the ghee until they pop. Then add the other spices. Add the mung dal and salt. Sauté for 1 or 2 minutes. Add boiling water, bring to boil, then simmer for 30 minutes or until the dal is about 2/3 cooked.Now prepare any vegetables that suit your constitution. Cut them into smallish pieces. Add rice and these vegetables. Stir to mix, adding extra water if required. Bring back to the boil, then simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is fully cooked. Aim to have minimal water remaining, leaving the lid on the pot to allow any excess to slowly be absorbed.Caution: Kitchari mono-diet can lead to constipation if taken exclusively for several days, as it is low in fiber. To ensure proper elimination, the following may prove helpful if taken once a day, away from kitchari meals: psyllium husks or seeds with water OR oat bran OR prune juice.